By Susan Mulford, Boston and Beyond
Greek tragedy has never been presented in a more engaging and palatable format! The audience is initially directed through a maze like approach into the theater that is lined with ruins, debris and uniformed guards. Once being theatrically immersed, the set design by Darren Cornell continues in the theater with an expansive set that includes a temple atop of a pile of rubble, surrounded by trash and further creating a sense of militaristic rule.
The sound design by Chris Larson, enhances the overwhelming, despotic environment. The show opens with a “Greek Chorus”, comprising of a combination of ASL interpretation and voice as the trio narrates the prologue. They are dressed in perfect costumes created by E. Rosser, continuing to establish the premise of a totalitarian state and the results that often befall the citizens forced under tyrannical rule. Flat Earth Theatre’s presentation of Jean Anouilh’s classic drama, adapted by Lewis Galantiere, is a fascinating and entertaining “retelling” and “re-imagined” work that surrounds the premise of the original, classical Greek tragedy of ANTIGONE. Uniquely, this play was a piece of French Resistance art that cleverly evaded Nazi censorship in 1944. It survived because the German invaders thought it was the original Sophocles play. Directed by Lindsay Eagle,
The cast features Regine Vital as Antigone, George Page as Creon, Rachel Belleman (Ismene, Antigone’s sister) and Cody Sloan as Haemon (Creons son and Antigone’s fiance.)
Emily Elmore, Elbert Joseph, noted Deaf actor, along with Michael John Ciszewski as the narrative Greek Chorus execute their roles with perfect ASL signing and acting. Karen Dervin is wonderfully humorous as Nurse. Kim Feener, Nicole Frattaroli and Michael Rodriguez are cast as the witless, unwavering and dutiful Guards, Amanda O’Donnell is Creon’s Page while Lisa Burdick plays Eurydice, Creon’s wife. Antigone is the story of a defiant woman trapped in the web of an authoritarian state. The play sets the Princess Antigone, against her uncle, the new Theban king, Creon. Compelled by her moral and religious duty, she wishes to bury her brother who was killed by her other brother in battle. It is an act that has been declared by Creon to be treasonous and punishable by death. Strictly a political decision to further control the populous through fear. What transpires is a timeless exploration of why some choose to martyr themselves rather than accept authority as status quo. Ironically, tyranny, demagoguery, and absolute power disrupted are so enjoyable to watch! For tickets to this incredibly well played and masterfully directed play at The Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, visit www.flatearththeatre.com